Latest news and stories about privatisation in work in Portugal for expats and residents.
Lufthansa confirms its intent to submit a proposal for the privatisation of TAP, aiming to expand the Lisbon hub and develop Porto as a secondary hub while seeking eventual management control.
TAP is investing €20 million to build a new aircraft maintenance hub and hangar in Porto, a project due to take two years and expected to create about 200 jobs. The move is intended to increase the carrier’s maintenance self-sufficiency, reduce outsourcing and boost operational autonomy as the airline undergoes privatisation, while Porto’s network will be strengthened with services to Terceira, Praia, Tel Aviv and an enhanced link to Boston.
Following complaints about a lack of information, the President of the Government of the Azores met with workers and committed to providing reports and holding regular meetings.
TAP is reducing the sale of maintenance and engineering services to external clients, leading to a slowdown in revenue growth for this segment. Challenges such as resource reallocation to internal services, space constraints, parts shortages, and a lack of qualified personnel are hindering the activity. The Aircraft Maintenance Technicians Union (Sitema) is concerned that the company is wasting opportunities ahead of its privatisation, warning that the airline is losing revenue, technical reputation, and the ability to attract talent.
The ground handling services provided by SATA at airports in the Azores cost 35.3 million euros in 2025, an increase of 15.8 million compared to 2021, according to the Regional Government of the Azores. The executive confirmed that the unit, which employs 667 workers across the archipelago, is set to be fully privatised, with the first step involving the establishment of SATA Handling as an autonomous entity. Despite the rising costs and reported negative operational results when valued at market rates, the government stated that terms for the privatisation are still being defined and that worker safeguards will be included in the process.
The cabin crew union states that groups interested in the privatisation of TAP were imposed with a prohibition on contacting workers' representative structures.
The National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPVAC) stated on Monday, the 6th, that it only learned through the media about the proposals for the partial purchase of TAP and criticised the 'arrogant stance' of the current Government in the process. The union claims that potential buyers were prohibited from contacting workers' representatives, hindering transparency. The union argues that the privatisation must be treated as a matter of public interest, with workers at the centre of the decision, and calls for a more transparent process as the government moves forward with the sale of up to 44.9% of the airline's capital.
The French group has formally submitted an acquisition offer for TAP and guarantees the Lisbon hub. This Thursday is the final day of this phase of the privatisation. The government expects to receive three proposals.
Lufthansa confirms it will submit a non-binding proposal for TAP this week, positioning itself as the partner with the greatest capacity to develop the Portuguese airline. The group's strategy chief, Tamur Goudarzi Pour, stated that they have a strong interest and aim to expand, rather than reduce, TAP's operations. The German group also highlighted its potential to invest in a pilot training school in Portugal, independent of the privatisation outcome, while noting that any acquisition must provide returns for its stakeholders.
Minister Miguel Pinto Luz states that the schedule has not undergone any changes. Also in this news bulletin, the latest on the war in the Middle East and the strike called by Fesinap, which is expected to affect Health and Education.
The Prime Minister states that this is a “cornerstone” for any future agreement.
Workers warn that stripping the company of its most profitable suburban services “would seriously compromise the company’s financial stability”.
The decision was taken by resolution of the board of directors on 23 December 2025.
